The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

From the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) an interesting article on Increasing Photovoltaics in Illinois :

Based on a presentation by Mark Burger
by Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl

To establish itself in the marketplace, solar electricity (PV, or "photovoltaics") needs steady, consistent support from communities and government. Fluctuating funding levels and uncertain government policy make business planning difficult and expensive.

In contrast to the U.S., China, Japan, Germany and other countries develop long-term strategic plans, funded at predictable levels. This helps their industries develop more quickly and set predictable manufacturing schedules for output, business growth and job creation.

Although the U.S.'s PV has increased, its growth rate fell behind more dramatic increases in other countries. Five years ago, the United States accounted for 65 percent of the world's manufacturing capacity; now we only account for 35 percent. Four years ago, the world's productive capacity was 250 MW. Today, Sharp of Japan's capacity alone exceeds 250 MW/year. Japan took over from the U.S. in leading photovoltaic production in 1998. Germany is threatening to overtake the U.S. for second place in PV production. This pattern has been repeated in wind power production and installation, as the U.S. fell behind Germany, then Spain and Denmark and is in further danger of falling behind other European and Asian countries. Consistent and ambitious policies encourage new, multi-billion dollar renewable energy industries supplying tens of thousands of high-paying jobs (Swain).

While PV serves only a small portion of our nation's electrical needs, the market has been growing 25 percent to 30 percent over the last few years. When even a few percent of the population use PV, its growth rate will be exponential, making a dramatic impact on the marketplace.

The United States needs stable, predictable government programs to recapture the lead in producing PV modules. Illinois needs other policies, including...(Read on in: Increasing Photovoltaics in Illinois )